St Helens vs Wigan Warriors Prediction: Sculthorpe’s heart rules his head

There's only three rounds remaining in the Betfred Super League regular season and arch rivals St Helens and Wigan Warriors, who meet at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night (20:00, live on Sky Sports+), are firmly among the favourites for the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 11.

Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe shares his St Helens vs Wigan Warriors prediction for this huge Rivals Round clash.

Last Friday's trip to Hull KR was always going to be a tough gig...

But, losing our best player in Morgan Knowles after only seven minutes courtesy of a cheap shot by Rovers back-rower Rhys Martin made it an even bigger job.

Morgs was helped off the field, failing his HIA and therefore unable to return, while Martin was given a pitiful 10 minutes in the sin bin.

There’s absolutely no doubt this had a huge impact on Saints' chances of winning the game. Knowles is a key player and leader on the field, both in attack and defence. He has the ability to do the tough stuff but also play direct in the line and create opportunities.

I feel his absence for 73 minutes of the game was a huge hole that couldn’t be filled - and as a result Saints' attack look lost of ideas yet again in a big game.

When the spine of the team don’t take control in games, Saints tend to fall into the trap of shifting the ball with no purpose, which simply doesn't work against the better defences in the Betfred Super League.

Our only try came in the 76th minute, courtesy of the returning Deon Cross who won the race to a neat Jack Welsby kick. Unfortunately, the score was 12-2 at the time and Paul Wellens' men were beaten by the clock.

Rovers look nailed on to lift the League Leaders' Shield and claim one of the all-important home semi-finals at the play-off stage.

The race for the other is still on. Despite the loss, and falling down to fifth in the table, Saints can still stake their claim.

To do that, they must win this week's ‘Rivals Round’ derby with arch rivals Wigan at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Due to his failed HIA in Hull, it'll have to be done without skipper Morgan Knowles, who's out with a statutory rest period.

Unfortunately, the outstanding George Delaney will also be watching from the stands after picking up a one-match suspension for a high shot on HKR's Eribe Doro, which also earned a 10-minute spell in the dug-out.

These two will be an enormous loss to Wello in what is without a doubt our most important game of the season so far.

On the other hand, Matty Peet travels over Billinge lump with pretty much a full strength squad in tow.

The big boost for the Warriors in the last fortnight has been the return of star man Bevan French. I just think Wigan with Bevan are a completely different side than that without. Yes, he’s a maverick and a player who can create something out of nothing, as we’ve seen many a time over the past few years, but like Morgan does at Saints, I think his presence makes other better.

Wigan are favourites going into Friday's game and I can't disagree. If Saints are to upset the odds and keep alive hopes of a top-two finish, they'll have to do everything right. Get their hands on French and stop him dominating play, while also asking question of the Wigan defence. It won't be easy.

My head says a Warriors win, while my heart says Saints can edge it by 1-12 points.

I will be trying to watch the game on my phone from above the Atlantic Ocean, as I fly to the US on Friday to embark on a 450-mile bike ride from Washington DC to New York, raising money for Rugby League Cares who do an amazing job in providing welfare for current and former players.

Any donations would be kindly received here.

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